The Most Underrated State Parks On The East Coast, According To Reviews

Americans have plenty of choices when it comes to getting a taste of nature at state parks — the country has literally thousands of them, and they make up millions of acres of protected land. However, it seems that just a few of them get the glory, especially when they're surrounded by more famous national parks. Some of the most well-known state parks on the East Coast include Niagara Falls State Park and Watkins Glen State Park, but these are not the only state parks on this side of America worth visiting.

That's why we have rounded up a selection of the East Coast's most underrated state parks, where visitors can find smaller crowds and less name recognition but discover amazing views, hikes, mountains, waterfalls, and other one-of-a-kind features. These parks have garnered the highest and most reviews on sites such as Tripadvisor and Google, yet they're often overlooked for various reasons, usually by being overshadowed by more famous neighbors. Here are the parks you've never heard of that are worth checking out, and you can even see them all by taking this scenic must-do road trip along the East Coast.

If you're ready to get wet and wild, then Ohiopyle State Park in Pennsylvania is the destination for you. This 20,500-acre state park is one of the best spots for whitewater rafting on the entire coast, thanks to the Youghiogheny River. The river is home to Class III to IV rapids that can be explored with guided tours, as well as Class I and II rapids on the Middle Youghiogheny River that are perfect for families with kids or those looking to enjoy the area's scenery at a more relaxed pace. People looking to cool off can also go kayaking or canoeing on the Youghiogheny River or try stand-up paddle boarding. There are plenty of options.

If you're interested in discovering Ohiopyle State Park in a more Instagram-friendly way that won't drown your phone, take a short walk to the 30-foot Cucumber Falls, one of the most heavily photographed waterfalls in the state. "Want an inspiring moment in the deepness of nature? This place is so quiet that you can make a poem to flow up from your soul," said one Tripadvisor reviewer. "I would visit the place every year." The park has garnered nearly 800 reviews and four-and-a-half stars on the site, and that's not just from rafting and waterfall spotting fans. The park is also ideal for hiking and biking, as it's home to the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, which even has shelters available for booking.

Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware is perfect for those looking to enjoy both the outdoors and American history. That's because this park at the mouth of the Delaware Bay was a World War II fort situated along more than 6 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline. Visitors can check out the former fort with a half-dozen barracks buildings, an artillery park, and a fire control tower, all of which were once the base for 2,300 soldiers and the site of classified missions and the development of new weapons during the Cold War. But history isn't all you'll find at this state park, which has nearly 1,500 Tripadvisor reviews and four-and-a-half stars, making it the most highly-ranked attraction in Lewes.

Here, visitors can swim, boat, fish, kayak, and go clamming in the ocean and bay waters, or stay on land and go hiking or biking. There are countless species of plants and animals due to the array of habitats here, and visitors can even see horseshoe crabs spawning and shorebirds feeding during the springtime at the park's Beach Plum Island Nature Preserve. Families can also visit the Seaside Nature Center to see sea creatures in a nearly 500-gallon touch tank or check them out underwater thanks to viewing windows. "So much to do at this state park — beach, tour the history, walk, run and bike through the park and go to the little welcome center where they have some animals," said one Tripadvisor user.

Meaning "tumbling waters" in Cherokee, Amicalola Falls State Park in Georgia is aptly named thanks to its eponymous falls, the third tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Visitors can see it from the top by either parking there or hiking up a 600-foot staircase to see the 729-foot-high falls in all their thundering glory. Keen fishing types can try their hand at catch-and-release trout fishing at a reflection pool at the bottom of the falls. However, if the falls are all you see at this 829-acre park, you're missing out. Amicalola Falls State Park has a dozen acres of hiking trails, ranging from the tranquil to the strenuous 8.5-mile Approach Trail.

Uniquely, this state park also has a 250-foot-high zip line canopy tour, as well as a lodge and restaurant perfect for those looking for outdoor luxury. Visitors can hold events like weddings at the lodge or stay overnight to recover. Cabins, tents, and RV sites are also available for rent here. "I would love to stay at the lodge and experience the falls again and again plus the trails around the lodge," said one Tripadvisor reviewer. "Nice and peaceful." They weren't the only ones who enjoyed their trip to Amicalola Falls State Park. The park has nearly 1,500 Tripadvisor reviews and four-and-a-half stars.

Covering just 184 acres, Gillette Castle State Park is miniscule compared to most well-known state parks — but those who don't bother visiting it due to its size are the ones missing out. That's because this one-of-a-kind park is home to a 14,000-square-foot stone castle built by actor and director William Hooker Gillette, arguably best known for his fabulous portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. The breathtaking castle towers 200 feet over the Connecticut River on one of the Seven Sisters hills. Visitors can tour the castle for just $6 per person or even host a wedding on its outdoor patio. The park is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the Northeast to add to your fall bucket list.

To extend your stay on the castle grounds, camp at its riverside campsite with fireplaces and pit toilets. And since the park has plenty of hiking trails, picnicking areas, ponds, forests, and killer views, there are lots of reasons to stay the night at this park that dates back to 1943. Just ask one of its nearly 800 Tripadvisor reviewers, who gave the Gillette Castle State Park four-and-a-half stars. "My top location for taking visitors, a quirky place with a great back story. And at $6, well worth it," said one reviewer. For even more history, visitors should take a ride on the seasonal ferry, which was horse-drawn back in the day.

While traversing the Finger Lakes, many visitors end up in Ithaca or Watkins Glen, hiking and checking out waterfalls like Buttermilk Falls, Taughannock Falls, and those at Watkins Glen State Park. But in doing so, they miss out on the beauty of Fillmore Glen State Park, home to five waterfalls in lesser-known Moravia. Visitors can spend a few hours exploring the north rim, south rim, and gorge trails, the latter of which are only open seasonally and are perfect for a summer dip. Apparently, local cows agreed, as they used to wander into the gorge to cool off. Today, the park's stone amphitheater is called the Cowsheds, and one of the waterfalls is called Cowsheds Falls.

Another notable feature of the park — named for 13th U.S. president Millard Fillmore — is a replica of the log cabin that Fillmore was born in (the former president was born around 5 miles from the park). Check out this easily missed landmark before or after visiting the park's various waterfalls, like Dalibarda Falls and Upper and Lower Pinnacle Falls. "Excellent views of numerous falls in serene nature. Highly recommend(ed)," said one of the park's nearly 120 Tripadvisor reviewers, with an average rating of four stars. "Fantastic hike in an unassuming state park. From the road it's hard to tell how much natural beauty is back in the glen."

In the hustle and bustle of Wilmington, Delaware, it's easy to miss a lush park chock-full of over 930 acres of trails, creeks, meadows, and more. But just 6 miles from the city is Brandywine Creek State Park, an urban respite that was once an estate owned by the du Pont family. Today, visitors can enjoy memories of the old estate through the park's Piedmont stone walls, created by Italian masons. Of course, the real appeal is Brandywine Creek State Park's connection to nature, achieved through its many plant species and trees like oaks and sycamores.

Visitors can embrace that connection by hiking or biking the park's 14 miles of trails. "There are some wonderful trails to walk and hike," said one of the park's nearly 100 happy Tripadvisor reviews, with a rating of four-and-a-half stars. "If you like birding, the early morning hikes are the best. Pack a lunch and eat at the picnic tables near the parking area." To get an inside look at the park, stop by the Brandywine Creek Nature Center for a guided tour or environmental or historic program. Alternatively, check out one of the four onsite nature preserves, packed with rare birds and nearly 200-year-old plants.

Florida is a hub of action, from theme park capital Orlando to party-central Miami. At Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, the Sunshine State's nature can be seen in all its glory, and the park is without doubt one of the most underrated state parks in Florida. Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park was actually Florida's first Dark Sky Park, and it is also the state's largest expanse of prairie, making it more like the Midwest than the East Coast. Visitors can traverse the park's whopping 54,000 acres on foot, bike, or horse while spotting endangered plants and animals. Alternatively, they can hop on a seasonal, two-hour buggy tour ($25 per person) to see it all.

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park has nearly 120 Tripadvisor reviews and four-and-a-half stars, with reviewers saying things like, "Came to this campground with my dog to unplug and do some recon for the family. Did not disappoint! I will definitely bring the entire crew back. So relaxing, so much wildlife, and very clean." Even the less outdoorsy types can find fun at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, as the park offers glamping with hotel beds, climate control, coffee makers, and electrical outlets inside massive safari tents.

Those looking for amazing canyon experiences often head West, but those in the know on the East Coast might head to Providence Canyon State Park in Georgia, a wildly underrated state park home to the "Little Grand Canyon.". Despite its troubled past — the 150-foot canyons of the park were caused by bad farming practices more than 200 years ago — Providence Canyon State Park is still a beautiful sight. Its more than 2,700 acres are home to rare, colorful flowers and oak and maple trees.

Even better, Providence Canyon State Park doesn't attract crowds like other parks known for their massive canyons, and it remains relatively serene. Get a front-row seat of the park by biking or hiking the rim trail, or make a night of it by camping on the 7-mile backcountry trail. Providence Canyon State Park has earned nearly 500 reviews on Tripadvisor and four-and-a-half stars, with happy visitors writing comments like, "I had no idea this place existed, in Georgia, no less! Loved it! It reminded us so much of Bryce Canyon. It was a great walk on a beautiful day."

One of the most popular national parks in the entire country is Maine's Acadia National Park, so you can bet that it gets crowded as people flock there for amazing mountain hikes and views of the Maine coastline. However, not far from the park that receives 4 million visitors every year is the often-forgotten Camden Hills State Park, also in Maine, which has many of the same features of Acadia without the crowds. Many of the park's nearly 800 Tripadvisor reviewers (who have given it four-and-a-half stars) agree. "We didn't have a lot of time and knew that Acadia National Park would be crowded," said one visitor. "This is a hidden gem that is right in Camden. We would go there again."

That is especially advantageous if you plan on trekking the park's 30 miles of trails, one of the most beloved features here. Experienced and beginner hikers can climb mountains in the park, including the gorgeous 800-foot Mount Battie, which has great views of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay. The view is so beautiful that it inspired Edna St. Vincent Millay to write the poem "Renascence." Another favorite mountain for hiking is Mount Megunticook, which, at nearly 1,400 feet high, is the tallest in Camden Hills State Park. Both are surrounded by 5,700 acres of forest, lakes, and hills, making the park one of the biggest state parks in Maine and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful.

Another state park often overlooked in favor of famous neighbors is New Hampshire's Cardigan Mountain State Park. The park is relatively uncrowded as hikers tend to choose nearby spots like Franconia Notch and the Presidential Range instead. At Cardigan Mountain State Park, visitors can see amazing views as far as Maine and Vermont from the top of 3,121-foot Cardigan Mountain and also check out a historic observation tower — all while enjoying the peace and serenity of nature. "Trail at this park is great," said one of the park's nearly 350 Google reviewers who have given it 4.8 stars. "The view will take your breath away. It is worth it. I'll be back next fall. Highly recommended."

Visitors can choose from hiking trails spanning more than 5,600 acres, all surrounded by sugar maple, American beech, and yellow birch trees. However, due to a forest fire in 1855, there are no trees on the mountain summit itself, meaning the views are truly panoramic. When you get there, you might feel like you're actually higher than 3,121 feet up in the air.

Take one step into Virginia's Grayson Highlands State Park, and it's like entering a fairytale world where more than 100 wild ponies roam free among meadows, mountains, streams, and forests. According to legend, the ponies became full-time residents of the park after they were bred by residents to help work the land, which can be harsh (depending on the season). Visitors can see the ponies at home on the park's 4,500 acres thanks to its more than a dozen trails, and parts of the Appalachian Trail pass through here. It's no surprise that this paradise-like park has nearly 350 Tripadvisor reviews and a five-star rating. Said one past visitor, "The wild ponies are a treat. The views are spectacular. The park, roads, picnic area and campground are all maintained well. This is truly a gem in the Virginia state park system."

A visit here will be even more rewarding if you love to fish, as Grayson Highlands State Park has 10 miles of trout streams and is known for angling. Besides fishing, hiking, and pony-watching, the park is also ideal for bouldering, as it's one of the best spots in the state for the activity, no matter whether you're a rookie or anexpert climber. And that's also regardless of the season, as the high elevation of parts of the park keeps it cool and temperate for sports. Thanks to this elevation, Grayson Highlands State Park is also popular for cross-country skiing in the wintertime.

The East Coast of the United States is home to 14 states, and some of those states have the highest numbers of state parks in the country, like New York's 164 and Florida's 158. As such, determining which East Coast state parks were the most underrated wasn't easy. To do so, we combed through countless Tripadvisor and Google reviews, determining which state parks had the best and most reviews, whether that visitor was an expert hiker or a family looking to get outside for a few hours.

We also examined which state parks had the coolest features, like a stone castle or a massive expanse of prairie usually only seen in the Midwest. We considered which state parks went under the radar or were often overlooked due to more famous neighbors. After all, the best national parks on the East Coast are some of the best in the entire country.